Dental Matrix With Curved Occlusal Ring and Rotating Engagers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing matrix rings used in dentistry for separating teeth and holding matrix bands in place during cavity filling lack optimal configuration and adaptability, particularly in maintaining interproximal space and engaging with tooth surfaces effectively.
Innovation Solution
A dental matrix system comprising an occlusal ring, pair of arms, and engagers, where the occlusal ring is omega-shaped or hoop-shaped with terminus ends curving towards the gingival, and the arms extend parallel to the gingival line, with engagers configured to rotate and engage the buccal and lingual surfaces of the tooth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional open-ended rings with downwardly projecting tines are used to separate teeth, then interproximal space can be increased, but the configuration and adaptability to different tooth surfaces are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The matrix ring is divided into multiple functional segments: the occlusal ring body, multiple arms extending from the ring, and engagement elements at the distal ends of the arms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while collectively providing adaptable engagement with various tooth surfaces and configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The matrix ring incorporates spring-like elastic properties that allow it to dynamically adapt to different tooth configurations. The ring can be expanded and contracted, and the arms can flex to engage with buccal and lingual surfaces at various angles, providing versatility without requiring multiple rigidly configured devices.
2Reliability
If the occlusal ring is made omega-shaped or hoop-shaped with curving terminus ends, then engagement with buccal and lingual surfaces is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The occlusal ring is designed with omega-shaped or hoop-shaped configurations where the terminus ends curve toward the gingival. This curvature allows the ring to conform to the natural anatomy of teeth, providing reliable engagement with buccal and lingual surfaces while maintaining an elegant, integrated structure rather than adding complex mechanical components.
3Manufacturing precision
If the arms extend parallel to the gingival line at right angles from the occlusal ring, then precise positioning and engagement with tooth surfaces is achieved, but manufacturing and adjustment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arms are configured to extend at right angles from the occlusal ring and parallel to the gingival line, creating an asymmetric arrangement that optimizes engagement with the buccal and lingual surfaces of teeth. This asymmetric geometry provides precise positioning capability while the arms can be manufactured as integral extensions of the ring or as simple attached components, balancing precision with manufacturability.
Data Source
AI summary
A dental matrix for restoring a tooth of a patient which include an occlusal ring configured to biasly fit over a tooth area of the patient. The occlusal ring may have two terminus ends with one of the ends terminating adjacent a buccal surface of the tooth area and the other end terminating adjacent a lingual surface of the tooth area. A pair of arms, each having a distal and a proximal end, may be included with the proximal ends respectively connected to each of the two terminus ends. The pair of arms may each extend at the distal ends towards the tooth to be restored. Engagers may be included to respectively connected to each of the distal ends of the arms for respectively engaging the buccal and lingual surfaces of the tooth to be restored.